C.J. Spillman is finally getting what he has been pushing for – a chance to play safety

When 49ers safety C.J. Spillman was plucked from the pool of undrafted players by the Chargers in 2009, he was thought of as a hard-tackling safety.

But as a fringe player, Spillman quickly learned that excelling at special teams would keep him in the league. When San Diego released him in 2010, the 49ers claimed him and he quickly became the 49ers best special teams core player.

However, throughout the last four seasons, Spillman always thought of himself as a safety first. And now he’s getting a chance to prove it as one of many contenders for the team’s free-safety job.

C.J. Spillman could get more looks af safety in Kansas City

“I don’t consider myself just a special teams player,” Spillman said recently. “Teams liked what I could do playing defense (at Marshall). It wasn’t necessarily playing special teams. Defense got me here, special teams is just part of the job.”

Consequently, Spillman said he has pushed for reps at safety ever since he signed a three-year deal with the 49ers last season.

In limited reps against the Broncos in the preseason opener, Spillman made four tackles, including one for a loss. The question for Spillman and practically all the players vying for the free-safety job is, can they cover?

In 46 games at Marshall, Spillman made 319 tackles, but only three interceptions. However, Spillman said all he needs is a chance to show his coverage skills.

“I know my skills,” he said. “I can run with just about anybody. I am very confident I can go out there and compete at the highest level.”

He’ll continue to a get a chance to prove it Friday night against the Chiefs in Kansas City.